Getting Closer

I'm a few days closer to my magic date of departure, and I've managed to cross a few items off my to-do list. I did some shopping yesterday and today and stocked up on some things that apparently are pretty hard to come by in Japan. For instance:

1) Deodorant. Apparently the lucky Japanese don't sweat much, and it's near impossible to find antiperspirants in Japan.

2) Toothpaste. Although I've heard toothpaste with fluoride has become more commonplace over the last few years, it's still hard to find, and doesn't taste very good.

3) Over-the-counter drugs. Got some Excedrin Migraine, Tylenol, Pepto Bismol, Echinacea, Vitamin C, and Women's One-a-Day, and Lactaid. It may seem like a lot, but I figure a year's a long time, and it's better to be prepared. I've been told the medicines in Japan are usually weaker than those here in the states, and often come in powder form that you dissolve in water. (Eww.)

Of course, I can't afford to overpack either. So it's going to be a fine balance: Black I-look-so-good-right-now stilettos, or Costco-size value pack of tampons? Both have their benefits... but it's hard to say. I'll keep you posted. (Thrilling, this process of packing, isn't it?)

I also bought a bunch of Hawaii souvenirs, as it is customary in Japan to give small tokens of appreciation to those who have helped you. I've also been told by current JET teachers that giving out little prizes is an excellent way to get otherwise uninterested students very very excited about learning English. I figure postcards, stickers, keychains, and pencils ought to do the trick. (And no, this is not bribery; merely positive reinforcement.)

Lastly, I discovered the most exciting thing the other day: FREE Hawaii travel brochures and magazines-- written in Japanese!! How perfect is that? I must have looked like a crazy person, taking dozens and dozens of pamphlets from the tourist-central rack outside the grocery store. They're really great though, they have pictures of all the different sites and activities here on the Big Island. I think it'll be a fun way for my students and colleagues to learn more about where I'm from. Of course, the best part of all is that they're freeeeee!

Alright. You're probably as tired of reading this as I am sitting here typing it, so I'll say goodnight.

Until next time,
Mandy